Area dance fans will be disappointed to learn that two of Boston Ballet’s brightest young stars, principal dancers Jeffrey Cirio and Whitney Jensen, are leaving the company. Cirio, who joins New York’s renowned American Ballet Theatre as a soloist next season, worked his way through the ranks at Boston Ballet to become its youngest-ever principal dancer in 2012 and has been one of the company’s most gifted male leads, stretching his wings as a choreographer as well; the company presented his piece “fremd” in May. The willowy, versatile Jensen, who’s been with the company since 2009, is also leaving, according to Boston Ballet, but at press time the company could not confirm her destination. Both dancers are acclaimed for their impeccable technique.

When the Globe caught up by phone with Cirio in New York, where he was looking for an apartment, there was a catch in his voice as he talked about Boston Ballet. “I’ve been here almost seven years,” he said. “It is home for me. I’ve gotten so much experience, and I’m very grateful for everything Mikko [Nissinen, Boston Ballet’s artistic director] has given me, and for the support of my colleagues and Boston audiences, but I thought it was time to try something new and move on.”

He says he’ll miss his “amazing Boston Ballet family,” including sister Lia Cirio, but looks forward to fresh opportunities: “I’ll get a chance to work with different people, do different rep, and learn new things. It’s a big chapter in my life, and I’m excited to take life on.”